Olof Johan Södermark

Olof Johan Södermark (11 March 1790 – 15 October 1848) was a Swedish military officer, painter, graphic artist and sculptor.

After a long period of service with Count Carl Carlsson Mörner, he was commissioned to study the site for the proposed Karlsborg Fortress, draft plans, and participate in its construction.

Initially, he visited Paris, where he copied works in the museums, then went to Rome, where he lived with the sculptor, Johan Niclas Byström, who had invited him there.

Under his guidance, and that of Bengt Erland Fogelberg, he studied sculpture, but eventually decided to switch to portrait painting.

His famous sitters included King Charles XIV John of Sweden, Jöns Jacob Berzelius, Jenny Lind, Stendhal and Josephine of Leuchtenberg.